Bangalore: India on Wednesday suffered an embarrassing 0-2 defeat at the hands of a spirited Pakistan in the second football friendly to end the two-match series 1-1 here .
Wim Koeverman’s team, which won the first friendly 1-0 on August 17, looked out of sorts and Pakistan were the better side in all departments of the game between the Asian Games-bound sides of the two countries at the Bangalore Football Stadium.
Pakistan richly deserved the accolades for putting up a gritty show and for not allowing the home side to make comeback into the game.
India will need to step up the gas if they hope to go past the group stage in the Asian Games.
Captain Kaleemullah and Saddam Hussain found the back of the Indian net in the 39th and 90th minutes respectively much to the delight of their coach Mohammad Shamlan who had said before of the match that India were beatable.
Kaleemullah converted a free-kick in the 39th minute, while Saddam Hussain doubled the lead in the 90th minute for the visitors.
Kaleemullah’s free-kick sailed into the back of the net after a Lalrindika Ralte foul, giving Pakistan a 1-0 lead. Then, in dying moments of the game, Saddam placed the ball into the far post and sealed the match for Pakistan.
In first 14 minutes, both teams had a chance each. Indian captain Sunil Chhetri tested Pakistan custodian Muzammil Hussain, while Kaleemullah’s shot went over the bar.
None of the long balls or passes attempted by the Indians ever reached its recipients, except for when Chhetri shot from 30 yards was punched away for a corner by Pakistan goalkeeper.
‘Lesson for Indian players’: Meanwhile, coach Wim Koevermans has admitted to the “disappointing” performance from Indian U-23 Team.
Speaking to reporters after the match he said the 0-2 loss to Pakistan was a result that the team did not expect. “We kept losing balls too easily. We just couldn’t build the momentum and instead of punishing them, got punished,” he said.
Pakistan Coach Muhammad Shamlan Al-Mubarak lauded his boys for the performance. “It’s very easy for any Coach to stop India. You stop Sunil Chhetri and your job is done,” he uttered. (Agencies)